Battle for First Place Between the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet and the Amazon Kindle Fire

The good folks over at Engadget have posted what appear to be the specifications for a new Barnes & Noble Nook tablet computer that is set to be introduced for pre-orders on November 7, 2011, with an anticipated release date of November 16, 2011. With this release date coming only one day after Amazon’s release of its Kindle Fire tablet computer, consumers should be expecting some great pricing opportunities.

So what you will find is the Nook has a relatively slight advantage when it comes to processing speed, memory, and the addition of an SD slot. On the flip side, Amazon has the advantage of offering video streaming and free books from its library for Amazon Prime members. This is kind of an apples and oranges comparison with the consumer buying the product that best meets their needs.

The good news for all of us is that we have finally been given an inexpensive tablet computer that is about 80% comparable to an Apple iPad (in my personal opinion), but costs 60% less. This is something we consumers have been clamoring for since the Apple iPad made its debut. Yet none of the OEM computer companies took notice and instead attempted to duplicate what Apple was producing at just about the same price point. It has taken two companies that are better known as online retailers to grab the bull by the horns.

The big question will be this: How will the public respond to a 7″ tablet computer? I know I am anxious to see how well I like the Amazon Kindle Fire compared to my Apple iPad. When I say compare, I am talking about size difference, not hardware and software differences. However, if you find the 7″ model too small, rumor has it that Amazon could be coming out with a 9″ model in 2012.

I will be anxious to see how well these tablets do, but currently am of the persuasion that Barnes & Noble and Amazon will do for the tablet computer industry what Timex did for the watch industry by introducing a reliable product at a low price point that should appeal to the masses.

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